Chapter 17 : Igneel

Mirajane showed no mercy to Boz's pleas and ignored his friend requests.

The tavern erupted in celebration.

"We won! Thanks to Sister Mira!"

"Mira, get the wine! Let's start the party!"

The wizards acted as though they had won a hard-fought battle, their faces beaming with genuine happiness.

Knight, watching the scene unfold, felt a little emotional. The camaraderie within the guild was strong—everyone treated the guild like family.

"I know, but drink responsibly," Mirajane said as she closed the forum and grabbed a bottle from behind the bar.

The guild tavern provided both food and drinks, and as the saying went, the guild earned money, and the guild spent it—no one was supposed to take a single Jewel home.

The tavern soon turned into a lively banquet.

"Nate, come join us. Do you want me to treat you?" Kana called from the corner, holding a large barrel of wine.

Others joined in, trying to pull Knight into the celebration.

"Yeah, Knight, don't you drink?" Makao teased with a grin.

"I'm afraid I might accidentally tear the guild down if I get drunk," Knight joked, waving them off. He stood up and said, "I just remembered—I've got kittens at home that need feeding."

He quickly made his exit, fearing they'd eventually force him to drink.

Mirajane, hands on her hips, teased, "You guys better not corrupt Knight!"

"Ohhh, the poster girl is mad—defending Knight, are we?" some of the wizards teased back, while the girls in the guild exchanged gossiping glances.

Mirajane blushed slightly. "You guys are hopeless… bunch of drunks," she muttered with a sigh.

Knight walked along the river that flowed through Magnolia, unsure of where to go. His ring flashed occasionally—it was Zeklain sending another friend request.

"This guy's really persistent," Knight muttered. He finally accepted the request but decided to ignore any private messages for now.

His walk eventually led him to Magnolia Park, where he spotted two familiar figures fighting under a tree.

"Ice bastard!"

"Fire idiot!"

Natsu and Gray were locked in their usual brawl, exchanging punches and headbutts, each one more eager than the last.

Knight chuckled at the sight.

"Nate!" Happy, sitting on a park bench, waved at him. "We were wondering where you were. So, you found us."

"You guys sure have a unique friendship," Knight said with a smile, nodding at Natsu and Gray.

"Love!" Happy nodded. "It's just their way of showing it."

Natsu and Gray stopped mid-punch and turned toward Knight.

"Nate, thanks for the ring yesterday," Gray said, still shirtless, his jacket discarded nearby. "I found a commission that's perfect for you. Let's take it together."

Knight hesitated, searching for a way to decline the offer without seeming rude. "Uh, I'd rather you treat me to a meal than work."

Natsu, standing up, interrupted, "No way! I'm teaming up with Knight!"

"Hanging eyes, you don't get to decide!"

"Who are you calling 'hanging eyes'?!"

"You wanna fight?!"

Before Knight could react, they were back at it, brawling again. He never imagined two grown men would fight over teaming up with him.

Quickly thinking of a distraction, he blurted, "Natsu, have you seen Igneel lately?"

The mention of Igneel stopped Natsu in his tracks, allowing Gray to punch him square in the chest, sending him flying into the tree.

"I asked the old man, but he hasn't thought of anything yet," Natsu said, rubbing his sore head.

Knight, seeing his chance, said, "I might have an idea."

"What?!" Natsu's eyes lit up, and he ran over to Knight, his excitement barely contained. But he paused mid-run, noticing something strange. "Wait… what's wrong with your eyes? Are you sick?"

Gray, panting from the fight, also noticed the change in Knight's eyes. "They're different from yesterday. What's up with that?"

Knight smiled. "It's called Six Eyes—a type of magic."

He placed a hand on Natsu's chest. "These eyes might help you see Igneel… maybe."

Using the Six Eyes, Knight peered into the flow of magic inside Natsu's body. Beyond the usual flow, there was something more—a large, dormant pool of magic, resting quietly within Natsu.

Knight focused and disrupted the magic flow.

Suddenly, Knight's vision shifted. He found himself standing in a sea of magma, walking effortlessly over the lava as though it were solid ground. Ahead, on a small island, lay a massive fiery-red dragon.

Igneel.

The dragon opened its eyes.

"Nice to meet you, Igneel," Knight said, somewhat disappointed. "It seems I failed. I couldn't bring Natsu here."

"Who are you?" Igneel's deep voice rumbled in shock. It had never seen a wizard manipulate magic so precisely, entering someone's spirit like this.

"I'm Knight, a wizard from Fairy Tail and a friend of Natsu. He's been trying to find a way to see you for days."

Knight sighed. "I just wanted to help him. Sorry I couldn't do more."

Igneel was silent for a moment, his eyes studying the young wizard.

"Thank you," Igneel finally said. "You are an unusual wizard, and those eyes of yours—they hold great power. Train them well."

The dragon shifted, preparing to return to sleep. "Tell Natsu: There will come a day when we will meet again, and that day is not far off. Until then, he must keep practicing and live happily."

Knight nodded. "I will. Goodbye, Fire Dragon King."

As Igneel drifted back to sleep, Knight's form began to ripple and fade, like a reflection in water disturbed by gentle waves. He slowly disappeared from the magma world.

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